Over the past couple of weeks, we have discussed the many signs and symptoms associated with Decompression Sickness and how to prevent it from happening to you. Like with all things in life, there are risks and DCS just happens to be one of the main risks to diving. In the unlikely event that this may ever happen to you or your buddy, we want you to be prepared on how to act once you recognize any of the symptoms discussed in our last blog, Decompression Sickness Part 2. The key to full recovery with a case of "the bends" is early management and recompression in a hyperbaric chamber as soon as possible.
Steps to manage and treat Decompression Sickness
Step 1: Recognize that there is a problem
The first step to any emergency situation is recongnizing that there is a problem. A diligent diver is always aware of their surroundings and the other people they are diving with. Some early signs of DCS can be subtle but the well trained diver may be able to spot them in themselves or another diver. If it is another diver, approach them in a calm, helpful manner so as to not worry them or scare them away.
Step 2: Remember the order of care
Hopefully you have taken a CPR/First Aid Course, otherwise known as BLS (Basic Life Support), recently and can recall the order of care in which you approach an ill or injured person. Obviously, if the bent diver comes up unconscious and not breathing your initial assessment of the situation will tell you to go straight to your CPR training before implementing any of the following ways to manage a diver with DCS. If you have yet to become certified in CPR/First Aid contact us here and sign up for one of our up-coming Emergency First Response Courses.
Step 3: Get the diver comfortable
A diver with DCS will most likely not be feeling well, so it is important before continuing to administer first aid that they are comfortable. If they are responsive you can just ask them if they would like to sit down in an area where their back can be supported, or if they would prefer to lay down on their side amongst some towels. We highly recommend NOT allowing them to go sit or lay down in the cabin of the boat as they will be more prone to getting motion sickness on top everything else. Try to keep them somewhere on the deck of the boat.
Step 4: Administer Emergency Oxygen
The sooner you can get the injured diver to start breathing 100% oxygen the better! This is so so important. Every diving boat should carry an O2 kit on board. If you do a lot of shore diving, we recommend purchasing your own emergency O2 kit to carry with you. There are many steps involved in administering emergency oxygen and mulitiple consiterations. We strongly recommend if you have not already, to become a DAN Oxygen Provider. Every diver should be trained in the handling and administraion of emergency oxygen. Call us today to sign up for the next DAN Oxygen Provider Course.
Step 5: Call EMS
After providing primary care to the injured diver and getting them on oxygen (or even during the process if there are mulitple people on the scene) call local EMS (Emergency Medical Services). In most areas this will be 911, however, if you are diving abroad their EMS number is most likely different, or if you are out on a charter boat, you'll want to call Channel 16 on the marine radio as it is the international calling and distress channel.
Step 6: Call DAN
Calling DAN (Divers Alert Network) should be a part of activating the emergency medical line of care in any diving emergency. We think getting DAN involved is so important that we gave them their own entire step to this process. Even if you or the injured diver do not have DAN Insurance (which ALL divers should!!) DAN will still help out in an emergency situation by finding you the nearest hyperbaric chamber that treats divers. Not all chambers know how to manage diving accidents and are willing to take divers so it is of the utmost imporatance that you know where to have the injured diver transported to.
Step 7: Get treated at a Hyberbaric Chamber!
It's happened more than once where a bent diver breathed 100% oxygen for an hour or so and, starting to feel much better, just decided to go home. This is the exact opposite of what you should do! Even if you start feeling better, you will NOT recover without proper hyperbaric recompression.
The best way to be a safe diver and feel confident that you will be able to not only prevent and recognize Decompression Sickness but to respond properly to it is to be well trained in the safety aspects of diving. We highly recommend all divers to become at least Rescue level divers as well as DAN O2 Providers and CPR/First Aid certified. You'll learn not only about diving safety but become better divers in the process. Sign up at Underseas Scuba Center today!
